Season's Grill online with video gaming terminals

The long awaited arrival of video gaming terminals have arrived in White County. Two locations are up and running in Grayville, including Season's Grill.

Tammy Knox

The long awaited arrival of video gaming terminals have arrived in White County. Two locations are up and running in Grayville, including Season's Grill.

Locally owned and operated, Season's Grill went online with their allotted five terminals Friday, Jan. 4. The terminals were originally supposed to be approved for operation in early 2010, but a delay brought them to life this fall. The addition to the already established restaurant and sports bar makes the facility a complete package for gaming, athletic events and dining.

"It has been a long process to apply and get approved for the machines," said Chris Ellerman, manager of both Season's Grill and Super 8 on Route 1 just north of Interstate 64. "We had to go through several steps including a state inspection before we could get up and running with them."

Several mandates are in place regarding the video gaming terminals, which went live in Illinois in October. More than 3,000 applications were handled by the Illinois Gaming Board, and the list of approved sites grows on a daily basis.

A total of 65 locations were initially allotted in bars, restaurants, truck stops and fraternal organizations with 278 video gaming terminals becoming operational after three weeks, according to the Illinois Gaming Board. A total of 25 percent of revenue collected goes to the state while five percent of the money collected from the terminals will go to local government, making it a feasible addition to any city landscape, including Grayville.

A location must have a liquor license and have an area that is strictly regulated for those 21 years of age and older. Only five machines have been allotted to each approved site in Illinois. J and J Ventures installed the machines. Scientific Games regulates the operation and set up of the machines and handle all aspects of how the machines operate and are monitored.

The machines available at Seasons are the five currently being offered for locations in Illinois. The machines accept paper money only, with wagers ranging from one penny to $2 per round or per spin. All terminals include poker and turnstile type gaming. A player may cash out from the machine and redeem any earnings through the bar at Seasons at the conclusion of play. Also, an ATM is online and available within the room of the machines for the convenience of all players.

"Since we have just gotten the machines up and running, we are just now spreading the word they are available," said Ellerman. "We will offer full bar service in the room and the machines will be available during our regular hours."

Season's Grill is open seven days a week beginning at 11 a.m. The restaurant serves both lunch and dinner and the kitchen closes at 9 p.m. each evening with the exception of Sundays when the kitchen closes at 8 p.m. The bar stays open one hour later.

Season's Grill opened in December 2010. Ellerman has been on board under the direction of owners Keith Botsch and Stan Williams since the beginning and assisted with the design and preparation to get the facility open. A native of Vincennes, Ind., Ellerman has lived in the area for the past 15 years and has more than seven years of experience in the hotel and hospitality industry.

Season's Grill holds up to 90 people, including the bar. The facility offers group parties as well as "All You Can Eat Catfish" on Friday evenings followed by "All You Can Eat Fried Chicken" on Saturday evenings. The dining room and bar location includes six 32-inch high definition televisions with the focus on sporting events. The operation employs eight people and the menu offers anything from appetizers to steaks.

"Our biggest seller is the Philly and the Club sandwiches," said Ellerman. "Our steaks are also popular. By adding the video gaming machines, we can appeal to a wide range of customer."

Season's Grill is also complemented by the Super 8 across the parking lot. The facility, also managed by Ellerman, offers 55 rooms and six Jacuzzi suites. The hotel is set to undergo a renovation in mid February. It also includes free continental breakfast as well as free wi-fi, which is also available inside Season's Grill.

Video gaming terminals are also headed to other sites in White County, including Carmi. Construction is underway for Nikki's Place, located on Main Street in downtown Carmi. The location is owned by Botsch, Williams, Bill Bonan II and Stacey Austin. The facility will be a low key beer and wine bar with gaming machines and no smoking will be allowed. The group has applied for 11 Nikki's Place locations throughout southern Illinois and hope to be operational in a few months, pending approval from the Illinois Gaming Board.

For more information on Season's Grill or the newly added video gaming machines, contact the restaurant at (618) 375-2337.

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